As a whole, the Oregon Ducks' defense didn't perform up to their standards in Week 1 against the Boise State Broncos. From the very first drive of the game, an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive for the Broncos, it was clear that the Ducks had things to clean up. That sentiment continued throughout, although the raw numbers may have told a different story.
Heading into Week 2, the Oregon defense will be across from a completely different style of offense. Whereas Boise State was more than comfortable with their quarterback taking the snap from under center, Oklahoma State's signal-caller will rarely, if ever take a snap that's not in the shotgun or pistol.
Boise State's offense is one used in the pros, quite literally coined as a "pro-style" offense.
Oklahoma State's "air raid" offense is one that has had stints of working in the pros, but has ultimately been relegated to the college and high school levels.
The Cowboys struggled in their own Week 1 matchup against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, mustering up just 10 points. But with a very new roster compiled of over 60 transfers, having a game under their belt could prove important towards reaching their full potential.
So, what can the Ducks expect from the Cowboys' offense? Let's dive into it.
What do the Oklahoma State Cowboys do well on offense?
In the essence of the term, "air raid," Oklahoma State puts the ball in the air a lot and gets on the ball significantly quicker than many teams. Against Tulsa, they threw the ball 49 times and ran the ball 37 times. That emphasis of throwing the ball more than running the ball certainly had something to do with the Cowboys playing catch-up for much of the contest, but it's a similar formula that they'd deploy if the game were close or if they were up anyways.
While the Boise State offense lined up in a number of different compact formations, Oklahoma State is going to stretch the field. Their wide receivers routinely line up far out wide, sometimes even on or outside of the numbers. That results in the defense having to stretch all the way out there as well, sometimes having to account for as many as five receivers when the quarterback is empty in the backfield.
The entire offensive system struggled last week, but when things are clicking, the pass and run game should be meshed together beautifully, creating a quick-passing, downhill-running offense that has the ability to put up points in bunches.
Who are the top players to know?
QB Drew Mestemaker
Drew Mestemaker burst onto the scene at North Texas in 2025, leading the nation in passing (4,379 yards) in his first season as the starter as he led the Mean Green to a 12-win season. He also showcased strong decision making, throwing 34 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Standing 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds without elite athleticism, Mestamaker gets the ball out of his hands quickly, distributing to his playmakers and allowing them to gain yards after the catch. While he struggled against Tulsa, if he plays anything like he did in 2025, he'll be one of the top quarterbacks that the Ducks face this season.
RB Caleb Hawkins
Mestemaker's backfield mate, Caleb Hawkins was equally impressive last season at North Texas. Just a freshman, he totaled 1,434 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns to go along with 370 receiving yards and another four scores. Hawkins is a grinder at 6-feet and 219 pounds, routinely toting the ball 20-plus times a season ago in recording six 100-yard games. He struggled a bit in the opener, carrying the ball 18 times for 79 yards. But like Mestemaker, he could be an issue if he can regain his 2025 form.
WR Wyatt Young
Wyatt Young exploded last season with the Mean Green, quickly becoming Mestemaker's top target in recording 70 receptions for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. Late in the season, he topped 100 yards in five of six games, including a monster eight-cacth, 295-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Rice Owls. In his first game as a Cowboy, Young caught eight passes for 84 yards and will be the main priority for the Ducks' secondary on Saturday.
Are the Oregon Ducks built to stop Oklahoma State?
In short, they should be. With how physical that the Ducks' cornerbacks led by Brandon Finney Jr. can be, there's a chance that the Cowboys' short routes are eaten up. And once that happens, the defensive line should have a field day.
Not overly athletic, Mestemaker doesn't do well against pressure and can forced into inaccurate throws and bad decisions. But when protected and with his wide receivers creating seperation, 2025's leading passer has the ability to shred a defense.
So, as long as Finney and Co. — plus the ball-hawking talents of Koi Perich manning the back end of the defense — can get hands on the Cowboys wide receivers and the defensive line can stay patient until opportunities arise later in the game, Oregon's defense should take care of Oklahoma State's offensive unit.
What should we expect on Saturday?
It depends on what Oklahoma State offense shows up. If it's the one that took the field against Tulsa, Oregon might repeat their 69-3 beatdown that occurred last season in Eugene, but this time in Stillwater. But if the core three players from North Texas — Mestemaker, Hawkins and Young — play like they did last year in leading the nation in scoring, when they came just short of making the College Football Playoff as the Group of Six representative, that'll be a different story.
My assumption is that we'll see an improvement from last week, but not quite the heights that we saw in 2025. Mestemaker will have some short throws early, but once he tries to throw it down the field, the Ducks' cover men have the clear advantage in athleticism and skill. And if Mestemaker is forced to hold the ball, the defensive line will bat clean up.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: What should Oregon expect from Oklahoma State's offense?
